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Thailand accuses U.S. of meddling in its politics

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“I’ll be blunt here: When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven,” Russel said.

Except for Egypt, of course.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Isn't this the same US that set up a rendition camp in Thailand? Isn't this the same US that uses military grade weapons in civilian police forces? Isn't this the same US that demolished Abu Grahib prison in Iraq that couldn't be kept as a monument to human rights abuses? Need I continue?

What hypocrisy........

0 ( +5 / -5 )

He calls it like he sees it. If only more Thais could get away with saying what they truly believe.

I'll never understand any cultures or countries or religions that don't allow almost complete freedom of speech for all people inside their borders, visitors or citizens. Is the culture, country, religion so afraid that when some idiot says anything bad about it that it can't use words in defence?

Of course the same applies to political parties. Political discourse needs to be settled with public debates, not firearms. Sadly, where I live people are apathetic about politics and less than 1/3rd even vote.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@kurisupisu The US (rank 46 in press freedom) is totally justified in criticizing Thailand (rank 130). Russel didn't threaten anything, he was just pointing out out that certain countries are not free. Like Russia at rank 148 and China at rank 175.

http://rsf.org/index2014/en-index2014.php

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Kurisupisu: You do make a good point and yes it is hypocrisy but two wrongs don't make a right either. Scipantheist: wether you are ranked 46th or 175th in press freedoms, BOTH can make room for improvements! Even the number one ranking country can improve, being number one does NOT mean they're without faults.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The Thai army and its unelected dictatorship should also stay out of Thai politics.

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The US (rank 46 in press freedom) is totally justified in criticizing Thailand (rank 130). Russel didn't threaten anything, he was just pointing out out that certain countries are not free. Like Russia at rank 148 and China at rank 175.

...but wouldn't dare criticize the Saudis at rank 158.

Thank God the U.S. has universal healthcare provision, unlike Thailand. Oh wait...

3 ( +5 / -1 )

@scipantheist

Maybe you should give your press freedom statistics to the prisoners being held in Gitmo for over a decade without charge?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@SenseNotSoCommon Maybe you should get your next operation done in Thailand, then. Yeah, didn't think so. It is clear that Thailand has problems with democracy, but it isn't for lack of trying like some countries...

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"...but wouldn't dare criticize the Saudis at rank 158"

They have long criticized the kingdom's human rights record. A country, mind you, which has beheaded 59 people this year, but regardless of the pretty rhetoric they're our valued ally, while the ISIS is reviled as absolutely barbaric. Actions not words. Much like the US relationship with China, who makes everything Americans buy. f

0 ( +0 / -0 )

US Dept of State:

"The United States is Thailand’s third-largest bilateral trading partner, after Japan and China, with total bilateral trade valued at more than $41 billion in 2012. The United States is also one of the largest investors in Thailand, with nearly $17 billion in foreign direct investment."

As with other allies (China and Saudi Arabia spring to mind), there is pretty rhetoric and there is action. You have to be consistent with tyrants, even when they provide you with precious resources and cheap goods. I know that's not very geopolitically sophisticated sounding, eschewing hypocrisy and double standards, but it's what I've got.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Thailand is not perfect, maybe the USA should mind its own business?? If $$$ is involved, I really doubt the USA will stay away!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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